The following statement was issued today by the Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Environment:
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has released the Placentia Bay Atlantic Salmon Aquaculture Project from the environmental assessment process. As part of the release, the project will be subject to more than 15 terms and conditions that will ensure that development proceeds in an environmentally sustainable manner.
The Department of Municipal Affairs and Environment has informed Grieg NL Nurseries Ltd. and Grieg NL Seafarms Ltd. that the Environmental Impact Statement was deemed acceptable and that the project may proceed subject to the conditions and all other legislative requirements such as the necessary permits, licences, and approvals. In addition, the proponent was provided with the regulatory and mitigative advice collected from the reviewing federal and provincial government agencies throughout the scientific and technical assessment of the project.
During the environmental assessment process, the department consulted considerably as per the legislation, and I would like to acknowledge all the individuals, organizations, agencies, and stakeholders that provided their thoughts and concerns for consideration.
The many submissions received were integral in informing the environmental assessment of the project.
As the regulator, the Department of Municipal Affairs and Environment has applied appropriate terms and conditions and required a stringent monitoring program that will ensure continued environmental protection over the lifespan of the project.
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Media contact
Lynn Robinson
Municipal Affairs and
Environment
709-729-5449, 691-9466
lynnrobinson@gov.nl.ca